Fighting hunger, preventing food waste and cultivating community! Former KNX Hero of the Week Natalie Flores-Blackner chats with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan about their new program called Fruity Fridays, that gives homeowners with fruit trees a way to donate their abundant produce! Natalie also talks about the incredible growth of Nourish LA, since beginning in an alleyway in 2020.  Connect: https://www.nourish.la Photo: Courtesy of Ken Kerbs Photos

From Hawaii to the Hudson Bay, to the coast of Croatia... our KNX Hero of the Week is making a big statement, when it comes to keeping our oceans and waterways healthy! 18 year-old Edie Markovich of Los Angeles is the founder of Outswimming Hunger, and she's partnering with organizations that are making a difference in our communities! Hear her share her recent accomplishments with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan, by clicking on the link above.  Photo: Edie Markovich, before her recent 12-hour swim at the ELAC swim stadium, to raise money for Heal The Bay. Photo courtesy of Glenn Zucman

Driver Austin Varco and his Race4Autism campaign is gearing up for an exciting 2024, kicking things off with Austin's debut at the NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Series at Irwindale Speedway. Racing to the finish line with former KNX Heroes "Special Needz Coffee" as one of his sponsors, Austin is making a big impact in the ASD community! Hear the latest with our former hero by clicking the link above.  Follow Austin and his Race4Autism events at: https://www.austinvarco.com/race4autism Photo: Austin Varco, courtesy of Ivan Velasco

A passion project for 13 year-old RJ Hermes is making a big impact on local shelter dogs and their future forever-families! The creative mind behind the "Operation Pawesomeness" campaign - RJ has collected over 350 items for our canine friends, like dog beds, collars, treats and more! Hear RJ share his story with KNX Hero's host Heather Jordan by clicking the link.  Want to donate? Connect with RJ and Operation Pawesomeness at: https://www.gofundme.com/operation-pawesomeness Photo: RJ Hermes, with his "Operation Pawesomeness" campaign posters and boxes. Photo courtesy of Amy and Ben Hermes

A true example of bravery and heroism! When doctors at Keck Medicine of USC determined Saul Casillas and Kathya Rocha matched with each other's sibling who needed an organ transplant, they didn't hesitate to donate! Click the link to hear this incredible - and rare - journey of love, compassion and triumph!  Photo: Jim Kim, MD, transplant surgeon with Keck Medicine of USC; Joselin Casillas; Kathya Rocha; Saul Casillas; Jaime Rocha Fernandez (left to right) Courtesy of Keck Medicine of USC 

The Tesoro High School Junior is making a big difference in the SoCal community, inspiring young girls and teens with scoliosis! Brooke Walker knows how tough it can be during treatment or surgery, herself undergoing a multi-level back fusion two years ago. After her recovery, Brooke turned to mentorship and volunteering, and now leads the Orange County chapter of Curvy Girls, showing how you can stay powerful and strong through the challenges! Click the link to hear more about Brooke's incredible work and journey! Connect with Curvy Girls: https://www.curvygirlsscoliosis.com Photo: Brooke Walker, courtesy of Randee and Derek Walker

It's all about giving back to the community and changing the lives of young people, for Eric Horn! During the week he serves Los Angeles as a police officer, and on the weekends he inspires hundreds of kids with the NE Little League! Eric is not only a coach, he's the president of the league, helping provide a stable and positive environment for families all across the metro. Hear Eric chat about the league with KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan, by clicking the link! Photo: Eric Horn (right), and a colleague Photo courtesy of Eric Horn

Trauma can hold us back in many ways. As a way of healing from a horrific rape while in college, Summer Willis decided to conquer the darkness that surrounded that moment. At the age of 29, she bravely decided to make a stand, and raise her voice for herself and others. Her mission is to advocate for survivors of rape and raise funding for support and services, all while running 29 marathons in one year. For the LA Marathon on March 17th, Summer will finish the last mile in high heels, as a show of strength, power and beauty. She shared part of her story with KNX's Heather Jordan... click the link to hear her inspiring words. You can also connect with Summer, donate and support her marathon challenges, and get more of her inspiring story at https://strengththroughstrides.org Photo: Summer Willis and her two sons, along with the mattress she will put on her back while running 26.2 miles in New York City. Photo courtesy of Avery Moffitt

Benjamin Levy and his wife, Trang, were in the right place at the right time when a brush fire started burning next to some train tracks. Without hesitation, Benjamin flagged down an oncoming train, found a fire extinguisher and helped save the area until firefighters could arrive. Truly heroic actions! Listen to Benjamin tell the incredible story to KNX Heroes Host, Heather Jordan by clicking the link!  Photo: Benjamin and Trang Levy See a photo from the scene at the Heroes page at KNXNews.com 

Meet Katina Holliday! She's the CEO and founder of Holliday's Helping Hands, based in Carson, CA. It's an organization that improves the quality of life for disenfranchised individuals through love, faith and giving second chances. With seven locations and two more about to open, her non-profit is making a BIG difference in our SoCal community! Hear Katina chat with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan about their recent outreach event, called a Day of Love! https://hollidayshh.org Photo: Katina Holliday during the recent Day of Love event with HHH.  Courtesy of Lonnie Neal

The Jessie Rees Foundation is supporting families fighting childhood cancer all around the world! Based in Orange County, the non-profit's mission is to never, ever give up - or the term “NEGU®” - which was young Jessie's motto as she courageously battled terminal cancer. After she passed in early 2012, her family continued her legacy and the foundation, touching hundreds of thousands of lives. Jessie's daddy and the foundation's CEO, Erik Rees chats with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan about Jessie's story and how her love continues to impact the world today! https://negu.org Photo: Jessie Rees, filling her JoyJars®  Photo Courtesy of the Jessie Rees Foundation, and Troy Tertany

Santa Margarita High School senior Rachel Phillips is changing the lives of young people with Down syndrome, through her volunteer work and leadership! She's involved in programs with the National Association of Down Syndrome and Gigi's Playhouse, and she's also the creator of the SMHS club "Buddies Beyond Boundaries". Hear Rachel chat about it with KNX Heroes host, Heather Jordan! Photo: Rachel Phillips (courtesy of Rachel Phillips)

Quick action, quick thinking and not giving up! Site foreman Chris Goetze saved the life of contractor Larry Brown, after an accident on the job. Hear Chris and Larry share their inspiring story with KNX Heroes host, Heather Jordan!  Photo: Chris Goetze, VP of MG Plumbing, and private contractor Larry Brown Photo courtesy of Chris Goetze

It can get cold at night in Southern California, making it nearly unbearable for thousands of people who live without a permanent roof over their head. So, Peyton Hitzler is trying to help, one coat at a time! She started Coco's Coats five years ago, collecting warm clothing to give to those in need. She's already helped more than 500 people stay warm! Hear the Capistrano Valley High School senior chat with host Heather Jordan about her project, by clicking on the link!  Connect with Peyton on her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/cocos.coats/# Photo: Peyton Hitzler with several bags of donated coats. Courtesy of Amy Hitzler

Shaurya Bairaria is a rising star in Southern California! The Canyon Crest Academy junior is the creator of the SoCal non-profit, "Tennis Without Borders." A few years back, Shaurya was sidelined from competitive tennis for nearly a year with an athletic injury. When he stepped back on the court, he realized how much joy the sport of tennis brings, and he decided that he wanted to make sure ALL kids around the world get a chance to feel that same joy! Through his non-profit, he's helping under-privilged kids play by providing them shoes, rackets, and more! Click on the link to hear Shaurya chat with KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan, and visit Shaurya's website: https://bit.ly/3u71znM Photo: Shaurya Bairaria speaking at a recent Del Mar Rotary Club meeting.  Photo courtesy of Bhawna Dhar.

There are over 3,000 children in the foster system in Orange County, with thousands more in Los Angeles County and all across Southern California. Community change-maker Debby Thrailkill is creating smiles and bringing comfort to many of these kids, with the "My Own - A Case for Kids" project. Debby collects and distributes suitcases filled with clothes and supplies for foster kids who need more than a trash bag for their belongings. In just a year, she has already given away more than 700 cases! Click on the link to hear Debby share her story with KNX Hero host Heather Jordan! http://www.myowncaseoc.com Photo: Debby Thrailkill (right) and core team member Isabel Bloom, packing suitcases.  Photo courtesy of Debby Thrailkill 

Heroes helping heroes... heroes delivering babies! In 2023, we honored some incredible people from Southern California, who made a big difference in our community! Heroes host Heather Jordan looks back at some of our most inspiring stories!  Photo: Manhattan Beach Fire Department and the Phillips family, after the unexpected birth of their newborn baby! Photo Credit: MBFD

From llamas to sea lions... several of our KNX heroes of 2023 came face to face, or face to snout, with an animal! In some cases, our human heroes saved an animal... in other cases, a four-legged friend helped save people! Click the link to hear KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan recap the year!  Photo: Ron Barrett, saving an injured sea lion along the Ventura County Coastline.   Photo courtesy of Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute.

California is home to some AMAZING young people, who are going above and beyond to make a difference! This year, our young KNX Heroes were all about serving others... click on the link to hear KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan recap their incredible stories!  Photo above: Theo Schwartz and CJ Stanback with the Reading Rovers Program, courtesy of the Pasadena Humane Society 

Dr. David Gazzaniga is a sports medicine doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, and he's also the head physician for the LA Chargers! During football season, he and his colleagues run a free, no insurance needed health clinic in Orange County for injured high school football players! Not only does it help families who struggle financially, but it also helps families avoid a long and sometimes costly emergency room visit. Hear Dr. Gazzaniga share more about the clinic with KNX Heroes host, Heather Jordan, by clicking the link!  Photo, Dr. David Gazzaniga, courtesy of the Los Angeles Chargers 

Ten feet of snow. Trapped cars and homes that were completely covered. Closed roads and freezing temperatures. When a blizzard hit the California mountain town of Crestline earlier this year, Danielle Follweiler and her husband jumped into action to help save dozens of lives. She shares her story with KNX's Heather Jordan!  Photo: Danielle and Jeremy Follweiler, courtesy of Danielle Follweiler

#Bravery  Ron Barrett is a field rescue volunteer with the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute, and he was called in to help when a 400-pound sea lion was found with a knife in its snout! It was a risky rescue, but Ron's experience and skill allowed him to successfully remove the knife without any additional injuries! Click the link to hear Ron share his heroic story with host, Heather Jordan!  Photo: Ron Barrett, courtesy of Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute. See more pictures of the injured sea lion at KNX Heroes | Audacy

#Inclusion 17 year-old Anisha Bhatnagar is helping students at Woodbridge High School in Irvine have the resources and opportunities to take part in the Science Olympiad! Clubs can get expensive, so as a fundraising project, Anisha created a special camp for kids with a full curriculum and science experiments. It was super successful, and Anisha was able to support students and their families that have trouble making ends meet. Click on the link to hear Anisha speak more about her efforts with KNX Heroes host, Heather Jordan!  Photo courtesy of Lara Bhatnagar

Move Through Motivation is a movement aimed at spreading compassion, positivity, and resiliency throughout the community! "One person can’t move a mountain…but together we can." Co-founder Matt Olson talks with KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan about the benefits of being active and how exercise can help heal, especially when it comes to our veterans and anyone battling PTSD.  Move Through Motivation Photo: Courtesy of Move Through Motivation 

Dr. Katie Nenneker and her team serve LA and Ventura Counties, helping farmers and pet owners with all types of large animals! Llamas, horses, cows, sheep, chickens... you name it! She and her husband Greg also run the Nenn Foundation, which is designed to help people who need a little help paying the vet bill. They also want to build an animal hospital, and more! Click on the link to hear Dr. Nenn share all that they do with KNX Hero host, Heather Jordan!  Photo courtesy of Dr. Katie Nenneker 

Security guard Jack Hibard of Hemet is a true hero! He jumped into action when a woman collapsed and stopped breathing. He administered CPR, got her breathing again, and kept her alive until paramedics could take her to the hospital. And that's not all! Jack is now helping people in Hawaii after a deadly disaster! Hear him share his story with Heroes host Heather Jordan, by clicking the link above.  Photo: Jack Hibard, courtesy of Don Hibard

Award-winning long-distance runner L'Mio Edwards continues to add to her achievements, and she's now embarking on an exciting new program that turns athletes into scholars! The Claremont High School senior is also bringing cultural awareness and inclusivity to her SoCal community. Hear her conversation with host Heather Jordan, by clicking the link above!  Photo: L'Mio Edwards, running for Claremont High School Photo courtesy of Greg Smotherman from Smotherman Images

Veronica Huerta of Los Angeles is truly remarkable! She's making a difference in our community in a number of ways, and a KNX Hero in every sense of the word. She's keeping people healthy, fed and inspired! Hear her incredible story with KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan by clicking the link above. Photo: Veronica Huerta, Infection Preventionist at Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center and member of the Mexico National Curling Team Photo courtesy the World Curling Federation

Theo Schwartz and Larry "CJ" Stanback are making a big difference in our community! The two 6th-graders at Dahlia Heights Elementary spend their free time at the Pasadena Humane Society, as part of their Reading Rovers program. The friends read their favorite books to dogs awaiting adoption, getting them ready for their forever home! Click on the link to hear their inspiring interview with Heroes host, Heather Jordan!  Photo: Theo (left) and "CJ" (right) Photos courtesy of: Pasadena Humane Society, Kristine Henderson & Shannon Schwartz  Pasadena Humane | Compassionate Care for Animals Since 1903

Sports medicine physician Daniel Diaz of Downey is making a big difference in our SoCal community! Not only does he work for AltaMed Health Services, he volunteers his time at local high schools, filling in as a team physician or team doctor. He also shares with KNX Hero host Heather Jordan about the passion he has for his family, and bridging the gap when it comes to underserved communities.  Photo: Dr. Daniel Diaz, working as the event physician for the NCAA Mountain West Basketball Tournament at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV Photo courtesy of Daniel Diaz

Animal Resource Officer Michael Carcano (above) and his fellow colleagues with the San Manuel Animal Resource Team are keeping wildlife - and people - safe on the reservation! Stray dogs, or pets that wander from home are often found along the hills, so Carcano and the team work hard to find the pet's family, or get the strays adopted! Click the link to hear more with KNX Hero host, Heather Jordan! Photo credit: San Manuel Animal Resource Team

Mike Barnard is a respiratory therapist at Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, and he's helping kids feel better with Hot Wheels! Over the last six years, he's handed out more than 5,000 toys to pediatric patients getting treatment, or to kids visiting the hospital with a family member! Click the link to hear all about his amazing work, and why he's our #KNXHero of the Week!  Photo credit: Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center

Pauly's Project is changing lives in Skid Row, with music and a lot of love! Providing battery operated radios, clothing, food and more each month to around 400 people! Paul, his son Pauly, and their team - are true heroes! Click to hear Paul chat with KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan about the latest events. Connect with Pauly's Project here: Pauly's Project | Helping The Homeless in Los Angeles (paulysproject.org) Above: Paul Avila and his son, Pauly. Photo courtesy of Paul Avila

She's a miracle, no doubt! Doris Hernandez-Morales is bringing hope and smiles to stroke survivors at Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center, working as a volunteer and advocate. Doris knows how tough it can be, recovering after the life-threatening medical emergency. Click the link to hear how she delivered a healthy baby just months after losing her physical mobility, and how she regained her speech!  In the photo: Doris, her husband and two sons (courtesy of Doris Hernandez-Morales).

He started a mission about four years ago: daily trash pickups at his local park. Edgar has now trekked more than 1,400 times across California, picking up thousands of pounds of trash! Hear his inspiring story with KNX Hero host Heather Jordan, by clicking the link. You can also connect with Edgar online at @edgarrmcgregor  Photo courtesy of Edgar McGregor

Steven Zonis and his therapy dog Rudy work with Blue Line Dogs (bluelinedogsla.com) across the Los Angeles area! Created by Gil Escontrias, Blue Line Dogs offer mental relief - and a lot of joy - to our heroes in uniform! Firefighters, police officers, first responders, and more. Click on the audio link to hear about their incredible mission!  Meet the twelve loving and trained pups here: Our Dogs (bluelinedogsla.com) Photo: Steven Zonis and Rudy. Photo credit: Steven Zonis

Our KNX Helpful Honda Hero of the Week, Jessica Hubbard! As the CEO of Casa Youth Shelter in Los Alamitos, she is praised for her leadership and compassion. She also goes above and beyond to help each and every young person who comes to their door! Her dedication to helping youth who are dealing with crisis is unmatched! Photo: CEO Jessica Hubbard  Connect at Casa Youth Shelter, Welcome! - Casa Youth Shelter

LA City Fireman Theo Krzywicki is the founder and CEO of End Overdose, a non-profit based in Los Angeles that works to end drug-related overdose deaths through education, intervention and awareness. They are saving lives... by spreading the word about Naloxone to millions of people around the U.S.!  For more information, go to: End Overdose – End Overdose is a leading 501c3 nonprofit providing online and in person opioid overdose response training. Photo: Theo Krzywicki at the EDC music festival, courtesy of End Overdose. 

Pastor Troy Vaughn was once homeless, and he knows first-hand what it's like to live on Skid Row. But, he had a dream and a vision to be better, and to help others! With nearly thirty years of working in healthcare and the non-profit sector, Pastor Troy stepped into his new role in the fall of 2020, helping the unhoused as the President and CEO of the Los Angeles Mission!  Photo: Pastor Troy Vaughn, courtesy of the Los Angeles Mission

Good Samaritan Hector Gonzalez of Norwalk recently reunited with the CHP Officer he rescued from a burning car! Click the link to hear the incredible story featuring our #HelpfulHonda Heroes of the Week! Photo: Hector Gonzalez and his family, receiving an award from the California Highway Patrol. Courtesy of the CHP 

Belen Ramirez is paying it forward to the nurses and care team at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, who saved her son, Victor, after a traumatic motorcycle accident during the pandemic. As a volunteer, Belen is grabbing towels, cleaning up messes, holding hands and assisting the care team with non-medical tasks. She's also going back to school, inspiring everyone around her! She's our KNX Helpful Honda Hero of the Week!  Photo: Belen Ramirez, courtesy of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center

Home cooking is a way of life at the Tostado household in Ontario, but when Flor Tostado blended her signature salsas, her autistic son Liam would have a severe reaction to the loud noise. So, to help make things easier, Flor decided to get Liam involved in the process! She now sells "Spicy Mami Salsa" to help raise awareness - donating proceeds to local autism organizations!  Connect here: https://www.instagram.com/spicymamisalsas/ Photo courtesy of Flor Tostado 

When Hanna Phillips went into labor unexpectedly, the team of firefighter paramedics were on hand, to help everyone stay safe!  Photo credit: Hanna Phillips, Manhattan Beach Fire Department

La Verne Science and Technology Charter First Grader Brady Ahumada didn't want presents for his May birthday, he wanted to help others. So, he raised money through a lemonade stand, and thousands of dollars were put towards feeding the homeless, helping families in need, and other outreach. He's our KNX Hero of the Week! Connect with Brady atBrady King (@brady.king) | Instagram In the photo: Brady Ahumada with lemonade and goodies from his lemonade stand. Photo credit Sara Ahumada

David Matthews of the Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce (HGCC) is leading efforts to help unhoused families in the Harbor Gateway Corridor find resources, so they can build better lives! His outreach teams are also assisting hundreds of kids who live in RVs. Photo credit: David Matthews

Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Pete Chavez is using the six points of his badge to open a world of opportunity for young people! Our former KNX Hero and his team at SPFK are pointing kids towards a bright future, one community event at a time! Six Points for Kids | Orange County California - Sheriff's Department (ocsheriff.gov) Photo: Deputies with SPFK give high-fives during the Special Olympics. Courtesy of Orange County Sheriff's Department and Six Points For Kids

Keith and Rachel LukaSavage are making a big difference in the SoCal community, with their Savage Tacos food truck! Our KNX Heroes of the Week are helping the unhoused community with access to food, opportunity and hope! Connect with Savage Tacos at Savage Tacos - Food Truck, Gourmet Foods, Taco Food Truck (savagetacostruck.com) Photo: Keith LukaSavage and employee, Jemilha. Courtesy of Rachel LukaSavage. 

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Holly J. Fujie is making a difference in our SoCal community, teaching local students how to become our next great lawyers, clerks and judges! In March, she was once again a volunteer judge for the 2023 California Mock Trial Finals at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. The winning team was from Menlo High School, and they'll be representing California on May 18th-20th at the 2023 National High School Mock Trial Competition in Little Rock, Arkansas. https://www.nationalmocktrial.org/ Photo: Judge Holly J. Fujie and student, courtesy of the Constitutional Rights Foundation

Maggie Lin is the co-founder of Foster Nation, a non-profit based in Los Angeles, that provides resources and support, career guidance and partnership for thousands of young people who are aging out of the foster care system. Click the link above to hear Maggie share per personal story of growing up as a foster kid, and her triumphs, with KNX's Heather Jordan! Connect with Foster Nation at https://www.fosternation.org/ Photo: Maggie Lin and her younger sister, courtesy of Maggie Lin

Join Ellie, Jay and everyone at the Gentle Barn this summer! Hug a cow or a pig... or even an emu! Their spring fundraiser is also underway to help rescued animals get medical care and supplies. Connect with our former KNX Heroes of the Week: https://www.gentlebarn.org/ (Photo credit: Gentle Barn, Santa Clarita)